The Kokoda Legacy event makes a triumphant return to Canungra’s Kokoda Barracks this Remembrance Day, Saturday 11 November 2023.
This event, orchestrated by the Kokoda Youth Foundation, first emerged in 2022 as a heartfelt tribute to the 80th anniversary of the 1942 Kokoda Campaign, returning this year in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Legacy Australia.
In 2022, the Kokoda Legacy event proved to be a remarkable success, raising $95,641.94 to be split between the beneficiary organisations, the Kokoda Youth Foundation and Gold Coast Legacy.
Both these charities are steadfastly committed to transforming the lives of individuals within the Gold Coast community. Originally conceived asa one-time affair, the event’s resounding success and the impassioned pleas of its dedicated participants have compelled its return.
Doug Henderson, the Founder of the Kokoda Youth Foundation and a Vietnam Veteran, spoke of the decision to resurrect Kokoda Legacy for one final year. “The Kokoda Legacy event not only provided invaluable support to our local youth programs but also contributed significantly to the outstanding efforts of Legacy Gold Coast within our community,” he said.
Craig Kingston, President of the Gold Coast Legacy club, expressed his delight at the event’s revival. “Last year, the money raised enabled us to provide vital assistance to over 1,100 Gold Coast families of veterans of the Australian Defence Force who have given their livesor health for their country,” he said.
This year, the event offers four trails of varying lengths and difficulty, commencing from Canungra Area Golf Club. The five kilometre trail is a Remembrance Walk for all ages, whilst the 10 kilometre, 20 kilometre and 30 kilometre trails are hikes through the Australian Defence Force land, Kokoda Barracks, with the 30 kilometre trail featuring a river crossing.Registration fees start from $20, with children under eight years able to participate in the five kilometreRemembrance Walk for free.
For registration and more information, visit https://www.kokodachallenge.com/legacy.
